Twenty three of our SMS third graders celebrated their First Holy Communion this year throughout the months of April and May. We celebrated this achievement, as is SMS tradition, with a special Mass and reception last week in their honor. The third graders wore their First Communion finery to lead us in the liturgy, and looked wonderful in their suits, dresses & veils.
First Holy Communion is the second of the three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism and Confirmation being the others) which complete an individual's membership to the Catholic Community. First Holy Communion celebrates the real presence of Christ in the bread, wine, and gathered community, and is therefore a major milestone in a child’s life. They are beginning their commitment to The Lord and continuing on in their faith by receiving the Holy Sacraments in their parish in front of their families.
Dressing in white for communion represents purity, spiritual rebirth, and the Divine Presence. It signifies that the child is ready to accept Jesus into their heart in the Eucharist. The white garment the child may wear on their First Communion is similar to that of a Baptismal dress, a wedding gown, and the pall or white cloth that is draped over a casket at one's funeral. In each of these instances, a Holy Sacrament is being received, and the color white portrays the innocence and humility required of the individual to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
After Mass families were invited to a brief reception in the gymnasium, and cake, coffee & fellowship were enjoyed. Congratulations once again to all of our students who worked hard to complete the preparations required for their First Holy Communion - we are so proud of you!
Click here to see more photos of the First Communion Mass & reception.